On this Third Sunday of Easter we follow Cleopas and his companion along the road to Emmaus and encounter the Risen Lord. The disciples are feeling lost and alone, and their hopes and expectations have been dashed in the early morning light of Easter. We also can experience dashed hopes and dreams in our lives, yet this story helps us to discover the blessings of Christ's love. The power of Easter presents us with the promise that God is always working in our lives to redeem and restore the life we thought we had lost.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Luke. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Luke 24:13-35).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture lesson for the week. Did any particular phrases or words catch your attention as you read through the lesson? Reflect on the contrast in the feelings/emotions of the travelers from the beginning of the lesson ("They stood still, looking sad") against their feelings at the end ("Were not our hearts burning within us"). How might their change in understanding of how Christ is present in their lives have something to say to us in our lives?
Read the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below and reflect on the meaning of the breaking of the bread in the life of the early Christian community? How might this "agape meal" give strength to those early Christians...and to us?
Read the "WHERE..." paragraph below and reflect on the author's statement, "the hospitality of the traveling companions becomes the doorway to grace." What might this mean in your life? And how do you interpret and understand the author's statement, "hospitality expresses deep vulnerability?" How might this vulnerability express itself in multiple ways...emotional, physical, communal, personal, etc?
Read the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on the author's statement, "tangible love that embraces the brokenness of betrayal and cross" - how does this describe the sacrificial love shown by Jesus? Reflect on the author's statement, "broken bread nurses our broken faith," and how might this phrase describe the experience of the traveling companions in the lesson?
Read the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on the author's statement, "By word and sacrament, Christ opens the eyes of them who rejoice that they have reached their destination in him."
